Internet firm relocates to Conway with 50 new jobs

Inuvo Inc. will operate out of the old federal building in Conway, where another tech company, mobile phone app maker PrivacyStar, recently set up shop.

CHUCK BARTELS, AP Business Writer

An Internet marketing company announced Thursday it is moving its headquarters from New York to Conway and expects to add 50 high-paying jobs over the next four years.

Inuvo Inc. will operate out of the old federal building in Conway, where another tech company, mobile phone app maker PrivacyStar, recently set up shop.

Gov. Mike Beebe noted that earlier in the week he announced a $1 billion steel mill that is planned in northeast Arkansas, with jobs that will pay better than $75,000 per year.

The governor said the state needs a blend of manufacturing and technology-based jobs.

"These are the kind of companies that allow Arkansas to be diversified," Beebe said. "We need both, and we need all kinds."

Beebe kicked in $1.75 million from his Quick Action Closing Fund to help Inuvo with moving expenses and equipment.

Charles Morgan, former CEO of Little Rock-based data company Acxiom Corp., is an Inuvo board member, and Inuvo Chairman and CEO Richard Howe is a former Acxiom executive. Howe credited Morgan with inspiring the move.

"I'm stealing a page from your playbook," Howe said.

Morgan founded Acxiom in Conway, where it still has a significant presence.

Howe said his company develops applications "that make using the Internet easier" and pushes out billions of targeted ads each year.

To support that volume, Howe said the business needs a strong technical side and that he'll be hiring engineers, software developers and marketers.